assumption

as-sump'-shun
from L. assumere, "to take up"
assumptio

Definition

The minor premise in a syllogism.

Examples

Here is an example of an assumption from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar:

If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.

Related Figures

See Also

Sources:
Aquil. 6 ("assumptio"); Melanch. IR d1v ("assumptio"); Peacham (1577) L1r; Fraunce (1588) 1.10; Putt. (1589) 236; Hoskins (1599) 12